Agriculture Ministry tightens US produce checks as hospital builds and CXC reforms advance

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has intensified inspection of imported produce after a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, with symptoms that can include diarrhoea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue.

US public health reports tied several illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce moved through a commercial supply chain, prompting a Food and Drug Administration recall of a specific brand and wider traceback, sampling and border screening. Jamaica’s Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch is reviewing iceberg lettuce, leafy vegetables and fruit arriving from or via the United States. Working with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other regulators, the ministry has also stepped up port surveillance for goods named in US recalls or advisories, and is urging the public to follow CDC, FDA and ministry updates.

Construction of the new six-storey Spanish Town Hospital remains on course for completion in 2027. Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said after a site tour that crews were due to pour concrete for the sixth-floor roof by the end of July, after which electrical and plumbing work should take the project to about 65 per cent complete by October. The expanded hospital is to include seven operating theatres and MRI, CT and mammography services not available at the existing plant.

May Pen and Black River hospitals have received beds, lockers and medical sundries valued at more than $5 million, donated through the South East Regional Health Authority by UK-based Jamaican businessman Branetic Newville after Hurricane Melissa. State Minister Crystal Lee said the gift included 33 hospital beds and 20 bedside lockers. SERHA board chair Michael Stern said the supplies will aid recovery, with Black River’s main wards nearing readiness to bring patients back from facilities across the region.

Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams said the Public Procurement Commission is expected by the end of July to publish the list of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises approved under the government’s 20 per cent procurement set-aside. Guidance for ministries, departments and agencies is due by the end of August.

The Caribbean Examinations Council will phase out school-based assessments from the 2027 academic year for many CSEC and CAPE subjects, retaining SBAs mainly for practical courses. Non-practical subjects will move to exam-based Paper 032. CAPE changes begin in May–June 2027; CSEC candidates may choose SBA or the new paper in 2027 before a full switch in 2028. Registrar and CEO Dr Wayne Wesley said the shift aims to protect exam integrity as generative AI becomes common, without banning AI as a learning tool. Director of Operations Dr Nicole Manning said AI guidelines for SBAs had not been applied consistently and that Paper 032 will be a shorter applied assessment, with webinars and resources for schools.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness accepted the 2026 Esri Presidential Award in California for Jamaica’s national geospatial systems. He said GIS tools after Hurricane Melissa guided aid with live shelter, road and damage dashboards and a satellite review of more than 960 buildings, crediting decades of institutional investment. Culture Minister plans for 2026/27 include National Stadium redevelopment with seating raised to 37,500 under roof cover, alongside World Athletics Class One certification of the national track.